The potential of neutron capture therapy in the management of uncontrollable localised tumors

The role and the potential efficacy of neutron capture therapy for the treatment of uncontrollable, localised tumours is examined. Several boron carrier biochemicals are already in use for the selective accumulation of boron in cancer cells, and therapeutic boron concentrations have been achieved in glioblastoma and melanoma in animal models and in patients. Local control of glioblastoma and subcutaneous melanoma has been reported after thermal neutron irradiation. Different neutron beam requirements apply for the treatment of these cancers, in the former case a thermal beam is adequate but a more penetrating epithermal beam is needed for the treatment of deep-seated tumours. A thermal facility for small animal irradiations is available in Australia, at Lucas Heights Research Laboratories and the development of a patient thermal/epithermal facility is under active consideration. 54 refs., 6 figs